Iron: Recommended daily intake

Iron: Recommended daily intake

By: Arlene Gentallan


What is Iron?

        Iron is a mineral best known for it's role in red blood cell production. Vitamin C is needed to boosts it's absorption.


Functions of iron in the body:

• Hemoglobin formation to make red blood cell which transports oxygen throughout the body
• Energy production
• Maintains healthy skin, nails, and hair
• Aids the immune system

What is the recommended daily intake of iron?

According to The National Institutes of Health, recommended iron intake are as follows:

Child 7-12 months                          11 mg
Child 1-3 year old                             7 mg
Child 4-8 year old                           10 mg
Child 9-13 year old                           8 mg
Adolescent female 14-18 year old     15 mg
Adolescent male 14-18 year old        11 mg
19-50 year old female                     18 mg
19-50 year old male                         8 mg
51 up                                             8 mg

Breastfeeding 14-50 year old           27 mg
Lactating 14-18 year old                 10 mg
Lactating 19-50 year old                   9 mg